Mineralpedia Details for Marcasite
Marcasite
Name is of Arabic or Moorish origin and was applied to pyrite and other minerals of similar color and/or luster. Marcasite is a common mineral and is widespread with thousands of localities worldwide. It occurs under highly acidic, but low temperature conditions in sedimentary and hydrothermal environments.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/marcasite.pdf
- Formula
- FeS2
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal Habit
- Tabular, Stalactitic, Globular
- Cleavage
- Indistinct, None, None
- Luster
- Metallic
- Color
- bronze, light brass yellow, tin white
- Streak
- gray brownish black
- Class
- Orthorhombic - Dipyramidal
- Fracture
- Uneven
- Hardness
- 6-6.5
- WebMineral
- View Marcasite
- Mindat
- View Marcasite
Marcasite from Komořany, Most, Ústí, Bohemia, Czech Republic
Brassy, cockscomb habit crystals to over 1.5cm.
Marcasite from Joplin dist., Jasper Co., Missouri, United States
Brassy yellow Marcasite crystals with a curved, pineapple-like habit.
Marcasite from Brushy Creek mine, Reynolds Co., Missouri, United States
Sparkly and iridescent Marcasite preferentially encrusting Calcite.
Marcasite from Mineral Point, Iowa Co., Wisconsin, United States
Specimens from this area are hard to find these days. This one is well-preserved and clean with crystals from 3 to 15mm.
Marcasite from Elk Creek, Meade Co., South Dakota, United States
Interesting worm-like formations of Marcasite up to 1.7cm on yellow Calcite.
